Super Bowl report: Vollmer takes 'great journey' from UH to NFL

CHANDLER, AZ - JANUARY 28: Sebastian Vollmer #76 of the New England Patriots speaks to the media during the New England Patriots Super Bowl XLIX Media Availability on January 28, 2015 at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) less

CHANDLER, AZ - JANUARY 28: Sebastian Vollmer #76 of the New England Patriots speaks to the media during the New England Patriots Super Bowl XLIX Media Availability on January 28, 2015 at the Sheraton Wild ... more

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Super Bowl report: Vollmer takes 'great journey' from UH to NFL

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CHANDLER, Ariz. - New England offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer has played for three head coaches: Art Briles, Kevin Sumlin and Bill Belichick

In 2004, Vollmer arrived at the University of Houston from Germany. Vollmer spoke no English, but he worked his way into being a second-round draft pick in 2009.

Vollmer, 30, was asked if his journey from Germany to Houston to play for Briles and later Sumlin was bizarre.

"I don't look at it as bizarre. Maybe not typical," he said. "I appreciate those guys. Obviously, (Briles) took a shot at a 220-pound kid from Germany. Five years later, I was lucky enough to get drafted.

"It's a great journey. I love Houston. It was a great town. I had a great time there. The University of Houston gave me the chance. (Briles) knows how I feel about him. I'm really appreciative of him. … Obviously, he's doing a great job at Baylor now."

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Vollmer, who starts at right tackle, experienced culture shock when he arrived in Houston.

"I've got to say, Texans in general, I would say they were extremely nice to me," he said. "They really helped me out.

"I remember the first day I walked into the locker room, and I didn't understand a word. They were inviting me to the barbecues and all the stuff. … It wasn't always easy, but it was a great experience. Looking back, I loved every minute of it."

Sorry, Gronk;brother No. 1

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, a Houston native who starred at Texas A&M, was asked about problems presented by New England's Rob Gronkowski, the best tight end in the NFL.

Bennett mentioned a different tight end when he was asked if there's another player who plays like Gronkowski.